Mazda · CX-9 · 2018
2018 Mazda CX-9
2
Recalls
122
Complaints
5/5
Safety Rating
The 2018 Mazda CX-9 has 2 recalls and 122 owner-reported complaints on file with NHTSA. Overall safety rating: 5 out of 5 stars. Most reported issue: engine (55 reports).
Source: NHTSA Public Records · Updated Apr 28, 2026
Research Context
The 2018 Mazda CX-9 page works best as a research starting point. Complaint totals show how much owner-reported activity exists, while recalls and investigations help show whether any of that activity turned into formal safety action.
Because this is a newer-era vehicle page, it usually helps to compare this year against nearby model years before deciding whether a complaint pattern looks isolated or persistent. On this page, the most prominent complaint area is engine with 55 reported complaints.
Best Research Moves
- Use the complaint log to understand what owners were actually reporting instead of relying only on the raw complaint total.
- Review the recall section even if the total is smaller, because a limited number of recalls can still point to meaningful safety actions.
- This page is primarily a complaints-and-recalls research surface, so compare nearby model years before treating the complaint total as a standalone verdict.
Key Takeaways
- The 2018 Mazda CX-9 currently shows 2 NHTSA recalls listed on this page and 122 owner-reported complaints.
- This page currently shows no linked NHTSA investigations.
- This page reflects complaint volume, recall history, and NHTSA test data, but it does not diagnose causes or rank reliability by itself.
- Safety data currently shows 5/5 overall NHTSA safety rating.
- The most frequently reported complaint categories on this page are engine (55), unknown or other (11), power train,engine (8).
- Vehicle
- 2018 Mazda CX-9
- Recalls
- 2
- Complaints
- 122
- Safety Rating
- 5/5
How to Interpret This Page
This page combines three types of NHTSA data: recall campaigns (official manufacturer or government actions), owner complaints (unverified consumer reports), and crash test ratings (where available). A vehicle with many complaints is not necessarily less reliable — complaint volume correlates with sales volume and vehicle age. Recalls indicate identified defects, not overall quality. To compare this model year with others, use the year navigation in the sidebar or return to the model overview page.
If you are researching a used vehicle, start with the complaint categories, compare them against the recall list, and then check nearby model years to see whether the same issue profile repeats. That usually produces a better buying or research signal than treating the raw complaint total as a standalone safety ranking.
NHTSA Crash Test Performance
Frontal Crash Test
Side Crash Test
Overall Frontal Rating
Driver and Passenger Assessment
Driver Side
Passenger Side
Overall Side Rating
Side Barrier and Side Pole Tests
Driver Side
Passenger Side
Rollover Resistance
15.1% rollover risk in single-vehicle crash
Safety Features
ESC: StandardForward Collision Warning: NoLane Departure Warning: No
Recall Notices
NHTSANHTSA ID: 21V875000November 12, 2021
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2018 Mazda3, Mazda6, 2019 CX-3, 2018-2019 MX-5, CX-5, CX-9, and 2019-2020 Mazda2 vehicles. The impeller inside the low-pressure fuel pump may crack and deform, potentially causing the fuel pump to fail.
Remedy Status
Dealers will replace the fuel pumps, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 18, 2022. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 5321K.
NHTSA ID: 19V403000May 30, 2019
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2018 CX-9 vehicles. The wiring harness may disrupt electrical communications and disable the passenger frontal air bag, turn signals, and/or engine starting system.
Remedy Status
Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will repair the wiring harnesses, free of charge. The recall began July 26, 2019. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 3419E.
Owner Complaints
122 totalPOWER TRAIN
Apr 1, 2026
My 2018 Mazda CX-9 with the SKYACTIV-G 2.5T engine has been diagnosed with a cracked cylinder head, cracked exhaust manifold, and cracked turbocharger at approximately 88,000 miles. This is a known design defect documented in Mazda TSB 01-002/23 and addressed by Customer Service ...
Preview excerpt
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Mar 8, 2026
The liftgate (trunk) opens sporadically. The system keeps trying to open the truck and it's causing a parasitic drain on my battery. I was stranded 2 hours from my home due to this. My trunk would sporadically beep three times, that is the only warning I received. There are safet...
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SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
Feb 19, 2026
My 2018 Mazda CX-9 experienced catastrophic engine damage after a radiator failure allowed coolant to enter the engine. The vehicle provided no dashboard warning, overheating alert, or coolant warning before the failure occurred. Modern vehicles are designed to alert drivers to o...
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SEATS
Feb 11, 2026
The adjustable rails holding the rear left seat in place no longer latch. It is available for inspection. This is the most common place for a car seat in this car. In the event of a crash the seat would slide forward. The seat belt attaches to the seat so there would be little re...
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ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
FIREJan 27, 2026
Passenger seat heater either had a grounding issue or shorted out, causing to seat to start smoldering and catching fire, destroying the seat. There has been recalls and lawsuits for this specific issue on this model in other years, but not for this model year.
ENGINE
Dec 26, 2025
Here the facts, bought a car out of state (Illinois) from Iowa with 130,131 miles on Sept 12th 2025, Mazda CX9, the dealer did not disclose any problems with the car, after 3 months of ownership, the car overheats on highway whit family including a [XXX] infant, white smoke und...
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POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES
Sep 8, 2025
my 2018 MAZDA CX-9 safety issue SCBS / SBS, LAS / LDWS, MASTER AND/OR HBC WARNING LIGHTS Forward sensing camera (FSC) stops functioning cause my car run rough even depress accelration and those light came on dashbaord -Forworad smart city brake support malfunction -smart brake ...
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ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,LANE DEPARTURE,BACK OVER PREVENTION
Sep 7, 2025
[XXX] 2018 MAZDA CX-9 GRAND TOURING 89014 MILES Date: 9/11/2025 To: Mazda North American Operations Attn: Customer Experience Center 7755 Irvine Center Drive Irvine, CA 92618 USA Subject: Formal Complaint Regarding Safety and Technical Issue – 2018 Mazda CX-9 Dear Mazda Cust...
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VISIBILITY/WIPER
Aug 15, 2025
Passenger side sun visor will not stay in place. Cannot lock it in up position, which means it droops. Causing sight of vision impairment.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
Aug 10, 2025
I am submitting this recall request because my vehicle has experienced repeated incidents of a serious safety issue. While driving—most often on the highway—a warning appears that says “Smart System Brake Malfunction.” Immediately after, the car begins braking on its own without ...
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Showing 10 recent complaints from 122 total
View Full Complaint LogCompare Related Vehicles
Why Compare These Pages
The strongest comparison flow is usually: exact vehicle-year page, then nearby years of the same model, then other 2018 Mazda models. That sequence helps separate one-off year spikes from broader make-wide patterns.
More Mazda CX-9 Years
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many recalls does the 2018 Mazda CX-9 have?
The 2018 Mazda CX-9 has 2 recalls recorded by NHTSA.
How many complaints have been filed for the 2018 Mazda CX-9?
NHTSA has received 122 owner-reported complaints for the 2018 Mazda CX-9.
What is the NHTSA safety rating for the 2018 Mazda CX-9?
The 2018 Mazda CX-9 received an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars from NHTSA.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Mazda CX-9?
The most commonly reported complaint categories for the 2018 Mazda CX-9 are engine (55 reports), unknown or other (11 reports), power train,engine (8 reports).
Does the 2018 Mazda CX-9 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA has 2 recalls on record for the 2018 Mazda CX-9. Scroll up to review the published recall summaries, consequences, and remedies. To check for unrepaired recalls on your specific vehicle, use your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Check Another Vehicle
Look up recalls and complaints for any year, make, and model.
This page summarizes publicly available data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaint counts reflect reports submitted to NHTSA by vehicle owners and do not by themselves prove defect severity or vehicle safety. Safety ratings may not be available for all vehicle-years. This site is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. For official information, visit the official NHTSA page for this vehicle.